Neurological Nurses' Perspectives on Communication of Stroke Recurrence Risks: A Mixed-Method Study

Aim: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the practices, attitudes, and thoughts of neurological nurses regarding communication about the risk of stroke recurrence.

Design: This is a mixed-method study with a sequential explanatory design.

Methods: An electronic survey was conducted amongst 280 neurological nurses from 30 hospitals to explore their clinical practice and attitudes towards stroke recurrence risk communication (RC). Furthermore, 10 nurses' from three tertiary hospitals were interviewed using a convenience sampling approach, and data were analysed with Colaizzi's methods.

Results: Most neurological nurses view recurrence RC essential and beneficial. Quantitative results indicated that nurses frequently discuss warning symptoms, risk factors, the likelihood, and severity of stroke recurrence with patients. However, qualitative analysis indicated that these communications are often non-standardised, with cautious language, use of informal language, non-fixed timing, and limited focus on structured communication strategies. Factors influencing communication practices span three levels: the nurse, the patient, and the organisation. Influencing factors fall into three categories: nurse-related (age, education, experience, confidence, and knowledge), patient-related (trust and preferences), and organisational (lack of standardised models for communication).

Conclusions: Although neurological nurses recognise the significance of recurrence RC, their skills in this area could benefit from further development. Developing training and supporting nurses in delivering effective stroke recurrence risk education independently or in collaboration with physicians is crucial.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: The findings highlight the necessity of standardising stroke recurrence RC, including the development of assessment tools, training programs, and communication strategies. These are essential for optimising risk education in stroke secondary prevention and promoting effective cardiovascular RC in clinical practice.

Reporting method: This study adhered to the GRAMMS checklist.

Patient or public contribution: Not applicable.

Trail registration: CTR2000034244.